Astelia nervosa 'Westland'

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bush flax 'Westland'

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bush flax 'Westland' RHS
bush flax 'Westland' RHS
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Herbaceous Perennial
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A clump-forming, evergreen perennial to 1.2m tall and wide. The dark-green, silvery-bronze, arching, sword-like leaves can take on a red tint in cold weather

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus
Astelia are clump-forming, rhizomatous evergreen perennials with arching, linear, keeled, silvery leaves and panicles of small, pale greenish or brown flowers, followed on female plants by orange or red berries
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist, but reasonably well-drained, fertile soil in full sun or partial shade and a sheltered spot. The foliage can be damaged by frost and prevailing cold winds. It may need winter protection

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Patio and container plants

Pruning

Remove or trim winter damaged foliage in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free